Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy, a result of damage to the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord (peripheral nerves), often causes weakness, numbness and pain, usually in your hands and feet. It can also affect other areas of your body.

Your peripheral nervous system sends information from your brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) to the rest of your body. The peripheral nerves also send sensory information to the central nervous system.

Peripheral neuropathy can result from traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems, inherited causes and exposure to toxins. One of the most common causes is diabetes.

People with peripheral neuropathy generally describe the pain as stabbing, burning or tingling. In many cases, symptoms improve, especially if caused by a treatable condition. Medications can reduce the pain of peripheral neuropathy.

Every nerve in your peripheral system has a specific function, so symptoms depend on the type of nerves affected. Nerves are classified into:

Sensory nerves that receive sensation, such as temperature, pain, vibration or touch, from the skin

Motor nerves that control muscle movement

Autonomic nerves that control functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, digestion and bladder

Signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy might include:

Gradual onset of numbness, prickling or tingling in your feet or hands, which can spread upward into your legs and arms

Sharp, jabbing, throbbing or burning pain

Extreme sensitivity to touch

Pain during activities that shouldn’t cause pain, such as pain in your feet when putting weight on them or when they’re under a blanket

Lack of coordination and falling

Muscle weakness

Feeling as if you’re wearing gloves or socks when you’re not

Paralysis if motor nerves are affected

If autonomic nerves are affected, signs and symptoms might include:

Heat intolerance

Excessive sweating or not being able to sweat

Bowel, bladder or digestive problems

Changes in blood pressure, causing dizziness or lightheadedness

Peripheral neuropathy can affect one nerve (mononeuropathy), two or more nerves in different areas (multiple mononeuropathy) or many nerves (polyneuropathy). Carpal tunnel syndrome is an example of mononeuropathy. Most people with peripheral neuropathy have polyneuropathy.

For more information about how we can help treat peripheral neuropathy, contact us today at (775) 507-2000.